Excelsior State Update 

Advocate Spotlight

We’re proud to share that three of our dedicated volunteers—Kaweeda Adams, Terry Delher, and Ann Furner—were recently featured in a New York NOW interview, highlighting their powerful advocacy around Desha’s Law. This new legislation requires cardiac emergency response plans in all schools and is scheduled to go into effect in January 2026.

Their tireless efforts and heartfelt stories played a vital role in pushing for this life-saving policy. Thank you, Kaweeda, Terry, and Ann, for your leadership, passion, and dedication to keeping students safe. Watch the full interview HERE (starts at about 14 minutes into the segment).

 

Policy IMPACT: Universal School Meals

In a monumental step forward for student health and equity, Governor Hochul recently announced the statewide rollout of Universal School Meals, effective at the start of the 2025–2026 school year.

Thanks to full funding secured during the last legislative session, all 2.7 million public school students in New York will now receive free breakfast and lunch. This victory is a direct result of years of advocacy from across the state, and we’re proud to have been part of the coalition pushing for this transformative change.

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Local Presence, Statewide Impact

Shoutout to Tom Lowe, Community Impact Director for the Rochester/Buffalo region and Anna Heerdt, Marketing Communications Manager, for attending a local event alongside Senator April Baskin to honor a Buffalo resident who saved a life using CPR. Our local team’s presence strengthened our legislative relationships in Western New York—thank you, Tom and Anna!

 NYC Update

New York City advocates rally at City Hall to push for a policy to restrict the sale of menthol tobacco

Read all about it HERE!

Excelsior!
The New York Advocacy Team